​PHILADELPHIA — The New York Mets received encouraging news ahead of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, as Juan Soto returned to the lineup after leaving Thursday night’s contest with tightness in his left calf.
Soto’s early exit created some concern for the Mets, but the issue did not appear serious enough to keep him out beyond a brief scare. The star outfielder was back in the starting lineup for Saturday afternoon’s 4:10 p.m. matchup at Citizens Bank Park, giving New York one of its most important bats as the club continues a key National League East series against Philadelphia.
The Mets began the second half of the season in strong fashion Thursday night, earning a 4-1 victory over the Phillies behind a pair of home runs from Francisco Alvarez and an excellent outing from Christian Scott. Scott delivered 5⅔ scoreless innings to help New York shut down its division rival, while Alvarez provided the power that carried the offense. The win gave the Mets a positive start coming out of the break before an unusual off day on Friday.
With two games remaining in the series, the Mets have a chance to capture their second series win in their last three tries. A victory Saturday or Sunday in Philadelphia would give New York another important result against a divisional opponent as the club looks to build momentum in the second half of the season.
The Mets also welcomed Marcus Semien back into the lineup. Semien, who was activated Thursday, is set to make his first start since June 24 after missing time with a hip flexor strain. His return adds another experienced bat to the Mets’ order and gives the team additional depth as it navigates a crucial stretch of the schedule.
Saturday’s pitching matchup features two left-handers, with Sean Manaea scheduled to start for the Mets and Jesus Luzardo set to take the mound for the Phillies.
Manaea will be making his seventh start of the season for New York after beginning the year in the bullpen. The veteran lefty enters the game with a 2-4 record, a 4.56 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP overall. Since moving into the rotation, Manaea has been more effective, posting a 1-3 record with a 3.94 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and 29 strikeouts across 32 innings as a starter.
The Mets will hope Manaea can build on his most recent outing, which was arguably his best start of the season. In that appearance against the Kansas City Royals, Manaea allowed two earned runs — three runs total — on six hits and one walk over seven innings. He also struck out six, giving the Mets length and stability on the mound.
Philadelphia will counter with one of its All-Stars in Luzardo, who is lined up for his 20th start of the season. Luzardo enters the second half with an 8-4 record, a 3.51 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. The Phillies will look for him to slow a Mets lineup that showed power and balance in the series opener.
The Mets’ lineup for Saturday’s game against the Phillies has Francisco Lindor leading off at shortstop, followed by Juan Soto as the designated hitter. Bo Bichette is batting third and starting at third base, with Francisco Alvarez behind the plate and batting cleanup. Carson Benge gets the start in right field and hits fifth.
Marcus Semien returns to the order in the sixth spot while starting at second base. Tyrone Taylor will play left field and bat seventh, A.J. Ewing is in center field and batting eighth, and Eric Wagaman rounds out the lineup at first base.
The Mets’ announced lineup for Saturday vs. the Phillies is: Francisco Lindor at shortstop, Juan Soto at designated hitter, Bo Bichette at third base, Francisco Alvarez at catcher, Carson Benge in right field, Marcus Semien at second base, Tyrone Taylor in left field, A.J. Ewing in center field and Eric Wagaman at first base.
With Soto back and Semien returning, the Mets will look to keep their strong start to the second half going against a Phillies team that remains one of their top division rivals. Saturday’s game at Citizens Bank Park presents another opportunity for New York to gain ground, secure a series win and continue building momentum after an impressive opening victory in Philadelphia.